VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

FILE PHOTO: A general view of the city skyline of Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, August 5, 2021. (File photo: REUTERS/Ajeng Dinar Ulfiana) - 

VOInews, Jakarta : the Jakarta administration is preparing a roadmap to preserve the metropolis’ role as Indonesia’s economic epicentre, even after it loses its capital status.

Jakarta, which marked its 497th birthday on Saturday (Jun 22) and its last one as the national capital, contributes nearly 17 per cent to the Indonesian economy.

The local government hopes the congested and sinking city can maintain or even improve its contribution, but the vision may be hampered by various obstacles, said observers.

Jakarta will officially lose its standing as the capital when the president issues a decree officially naming Nusantara, a US$32 billion megaproject in East Kalimantan, as the new seat of the government.

“I could later sign it, or later the president-elect (Prabowo Subianto) of the new government could also sign it.” Indonesian President Joko Widodo said. 

Presiden Joko Widodo announced the decision to relocate the Indonesian capital from Jakarta in 2019. Indonesia's parliament designated special status for Jakarta so it can still compete with other “world-class cities”.

It will remain as the country's economic hub, and a global centre for trade, services, finance and business//CNA-VOI